Prostitution as a Subject of Debate

Prostitution has been a subject of legal, political and philosophical debate for centuries. It is perhaps the oldest "profession" in the world, and ever since it began society has argued over its merits. More often than not, societies have chosen to outlaw prostitution. But the legal sanctions against it have proven as ineffective as today's legal sanctions against drug use. It must be recognized that many people--throughout history and within every society--find the practice of prostitution desirable.

The purpose of this research is to discuss whether legal sanctions against prostitution in the United States should be continued, or whether prostitution should be legalized. In approaching this issue, the history of prostitution shall be briefly presented, along with a discussion of the possible effects on public health. Several of the major arguments against prostitution shall be critically examined.

Prostitution may be defined as the practice of habitual or intermittent sexual intercourse, more or less promiscuous, for profitable purposes. It is thus characterized by three elements: payment, usually involving money, although gifts and other favors may constitute payment; promiscuity; and emotional indifference, which results from the elements of payment and promiscuity.

The element of profit was not always profit for the prostitute. In primitive societies, all profit from prostitution sometimes went to the prostitute's parents or hu

Related Essays

Japanese Use of Forced Prostitution .... a very dark subject. Sheldon Garon (1993, June) traces the roots of the state's involvement in prostitution in Japan in "The World's Oldest Debate?" He contends .... (3467 14 )

Sex and Danger in Buenos Aires .... is significant simply because its subject is a .... fact that while issues surrounding prostitution inevitably had .... participants joined in the local debate and made .... (1483 6 )

Childhood Sexual Abuse & Eating Disorders .... Indeed, there is considerable debate regarding a possible .... applied to make sure that subject groups are .... or the rape, molestation, incest, prostitution or other .... (3772 15 )

Feminism and China .... to the "public expression and debate that reflexively .... such as the prohibition of child prostitution, in order .... for the media, or just another colonial subject. .... (1492 6 )

Miscegenation Law .... that looks not at a unified subject but instead .... dating, pickups, temporary alliances, and occasional prostitution" (313). .... though a good deal of debate over the .... (3669 15 )

s nonetheless. PHILOSOPHICAL ARGUMENTS By far the most common argument against legalizing prostitution is that it constitutes sexual immorality. The prostitute, according to the moralist, is a sinful creature that ought to be restrained by civilized society. To engage in prostitution signifies a total loss of character. Prostitution is degrading for all parties involved, but especially the women. America's Christian heritage--especially Lutheran and Calvinist-is both anti-sexual and anti-hedonistic. Sexual activity is seen only as a necessary evil for procreation. To enjoy the activity verges on sin; and to enjoy it so much as to be promiscuous or to make a profit from it is outright sinful (Ericsson, 1980, pp. 337-338). The fact that prostitution never was and never will be a threat to reproduction within the family is obvious. The United States nor virtually any other country has ever been plagued with the problem of too little population growth. Similarly, prostitution is not a threat to the institution of the family. People get married and visit prostitutes for very different reasons. In fact, the greatest threat to the family is also the greatest threat to prostitution--namely, complete sexual liberty for both

Category: History - P